Graduation Requirements - D.C.

Get Ready to Graduate

You’ll want to complete an Intent-to-Graduate form when registering for the final academic term.

You're eligible to apply only if you have two or fewer deficit classes at the time the form is completed.

Meet the graduation requirements below.

Didn't graduate during the term in which you applied?

If you didn't graduate at the end of the academic term in which you applied, please re-apply in the Student Administrative Services Office. Re-apply during the first week of the next academic term. Turn in your form before or on the 15th day of classes. The Registrar must approve late forms.

Five Final Steps to Graduate

1 – Complete the Academic Requirements

You must complete at least the minimum number of classroom hours of instruction and the program credit hours. Each campus has its own requirements.

The Registrar verifies you meet the requirements and confirms your place on the Intent-to-Graduate list.

2 – Complete the Clinical Requirements

Successfully complete all clinic courses at least two weeks prior to graduation.

If you don't meet this requirement, you may appeal to the Academic Standing Committee that hears appeals and acts as the final decision-maker.

What if I don’t meet the clinical requirements? May I participate in the graduation ceremony?

It’s possible you can participate with a clinic contract. Have you:

Completed all of the non-clinical requirements?

Completed the student clinic quantitative requirements?

Completed 80 percent of each of the remaining quantitative clinical requirements?

NOTE: You must complete the remaining quantitative requirements by the end of the first week of classes in the next academic term. If not, you'll need to re-apply for graduation in a subsequent term.

3 – Wait for Final Academic Approval

The Academic Standing Committee meets the Monday prior to graduation and will have your grades in hand.

At this meeting, the Registrar will present the Intent-to-Graduate list for the committee’s approval.

The committee will review and determine all graduation appeals here.

The committee then sends the graduation list to the Academic Dean for final approval.

4 – Get Institutional Clearance

With an approved graduation list, the Registrar ensures that you are eligible for institutional clearance.

Graduating students are required to fulfill all outstanding obligations to the College at this time.

What if I don’t get institutional clearance?

The Academic Standing Committee and the Registrar are responsible for what happens next.

The Registrar removes you from the graduation list.

With a new application to the Registrar, the Committee has the option to reinstate you.

5 – Attend the Ceremony

Your attendance at the graduation exercise is mandatory.

What if I can't attend?

The Vice Chancellor of Academics has the authority to excuse you in the event of an extreme circumstance. You'll need to apply to be excused with the Registrar.

Go for Graduation Honors

How you will be measured:

The Registrar reviews all terms except your last term – your graduation term.

Your grade point average (GPA) is a cumulative average.

Valedictorian(s). Did you maintain the highest GPA and complete all academic and clinic requirements? Congratulations. Look for special honors at the graduation ceremony.

Salutatarion(s). Did you maintain the second-highest GPA and complete all academic and clinic requirements? Congratulations. Look for special honors at the graduation ceremony.

Three Things to Avoid

Do not withdraw from any core course.

Do not repeat any course at Palmer College.

Do not create a “blemish” on your record during your chiropractic education. This includes:

A grade of no credit in any course.

Being placed on probation at any time.

Receiving a disciplinary sanction at any time.

Special Recognition Opportunities

Research Honors.The Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research (PCCR) awards students making a significant contribution to research. Students should contact PCCR for details.

The Clinical Excellence Award. A graduating doctor who provides outstanding service to patients, the College and the chiropractic profession is recognized. Clinic faculty nominate students. Award criteria are quality of patient care, leadership potential, knowledge, skills and service.

Choose your program

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